The Heir (The Selection, #4)

by Kiera Cass

[Angie]

I was sooo excited to get more of this series! While I don't like Eadlyn as much as her mother (more on why in a bit), I do think she has potential for a lot of growth that will make me love her. It's 20 years later, the caste system has been abolished, but the people still aren't happy. It's hard to let go of old prejudices, and King Maxon isn't sure what to do about it. In order to earn himself some time, he asks Eadlyn to host a Selection to distract the citizens and hopefully boost morale. She has no interest in getting married, but she's willing to do her duty for her father and her country. She has no idea what she just got herself into.

The premise of The Heir is kind of silly. I still totally love the whole idea of the Selection, but it felt forced here. At least all of the characters are aware that it's out of place and just a distraction, not a fix for the problem. But them noticing that almost made me feel like it was a cover up to make this new Selection make sense in spite of things. Like, there was no way to make it feel natural, since it's no longer a requirement of the royal family. It was weird, but once it got going, I was once again hooked! Eadlyn has a varied group of boys and they're all interesting, if not all likeable.

Eadlyn is a brat. There's really no other way to put it. She's spoiled and destined to be queen, and that bit of knowledge has gone straight to her head. It's not like she's completely awful, but that girl needs to get off her high horse. However, it's not like she's just this terrible character. It's very obvious that her main character arc is going to be her opening up to people and being more aware. Her whole family points out that she's very closed off and that the citizens feel like she's distant. Eadlyn thinks she's this strong, powerful woman who doesn't need anyone behind her, especially a man. That's great and all, but not if she doesn't treat people right. Half the time she doesn't even realize how she comes across, so this whole Selection is a learning process for her, since she's never had much interaction with people outside her family. Heck, she's even ignorant about the castle staff who she sees everyday! She's very entitled and caught up in her own little queendom, and she needs a reality check.

I know this all sounds quite negative, but I did really enjoy The Heir. It's the kind of fun, bookcandy that I adore. It wasn't nearly as good as the previous books, but I suspect it'll get better from here. It was just a shift in tone, I guess. I needed more time to warm up to Eadlyn and settle into her character, which is fine. I'm loving the actual Selection so far, since it's such a disaster! I do have a favorite, and I'm hoping he becomes a main love interest. I might be totally, way, super off, but I hope not!

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.